Pastor Cecil E. Thayer grew up in North Canton, OH, and graduated from Hoover High School in 1985. In August 1988, he was saved and united with the Massillon Baptist Temple. Dr. Thayer surrendered to full-time Christian Service on November 5, 1989. While attending the Massillon Baptist College, he surrendered to missions on November 4, 1990. Pastor Thayer received his Bachelor of Divinity from Massillon Baptist College in 1993. While attending the Massillon Baptist College, he was involved in the following ministries: bus ministry, Sunday School teacher, and preached in local nursing homes.

After graduation from Massillon Baptist College, Pastor Thayer and his family spent time on deputation to gain support as a missionary. They spent ten years (1996 – 2006) serving the Lord as missionaries in South Africa. While home on deputation in 2006, he was asked to pray and consider becoming the Pastor of Massillon Baptist Temple. He accepted the call and became the Pastor on September 17, 2006. Pastor Thayer received his Doctor of Theology, from Andersonville Theological Seminary in October 2007. As Pastor of Massillon Baptist Temple, Dr. Thayer’s responsibilities also include being President of Massillon Baptist College and Administrator of Massillon Christian School.

Dr. Cecil Thayer married his wife, Kelly (Decker) on November 9, 1985, at the Massillon Baptist Temple by Dr. Bruce D. Cummons. They are the parents of four sons -- Cecil, III; Aaron; Joshua (April); and Isaac. 1 Corinthians 15:58 is one of Dr. Thayer’s favorite verses. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."